The University of Mississippi Athletics
Kirui Brothers Run A Long Way
10/29/2010 | Track and Field
Oct. 29, 2010
By Chase Aertker
Ole Miss Athletics Media Relations Student Intern
On Monday, Ole Miss will compete in the Southeastern Conference Cross Country Championships, but for two Rebels, the race means much more than just a chance for an SEC title.
Barnabas and Martin Kirui, who are both scholarship runners from Kenya, are closing in on their final opportunities to compete with one another in a college race. Barnabas, a senior accounting major, is in his last year of NCAA eligibility.
Barnabas, along with his brother Martin, are the youngest of seven brothers and three sisters. Born in the East African country of Kenya, Barnabas knew at an early age that he wanted to pursue his education in America. However, he knew little about the United States, other than the North is cold and the South is warm.
"Kenya is a warm weather area, and the South is warmer and closer to the temperatures in Kenya," said Barnabas as he explained his choice to attend Ole Miss. "Having conversations with the coaches helped."
Head coach Joe Walker has been more than pleased with speedy brothers during their time in Oxford. Among Barnabas' accomplishments in four years: an NCAA title in the 3,000 meter steeplechase, two SEC Cross Country titles and five SEC Outdoor Track and Field individual titles. Twice he has been named the SEC Cross Country Athlete of the Year and twice he has been tabbed the SEC Outdoor Track and Field Runner of the Year. In less than a year with the team, Martin has put himself in the record books as well, winning an SEC title in the 3,000 meter steeplechase.
"They are just great to have on our team," said Walker, who is in his 28th year as the Rebels' head coach. "They are both quality young men on the track, in cross country, in the community and in school. One thing that the international student brings to the table is that they remind us how fortunate we are. Sometimes we in America take it for granted, and they don't. They know this is a great chance to get a great education, a great chance to learn the culture and a great chance to run competitively. They are always very grateful and very competitive."
 Martin Kirui  | |
"I wanted to come to Ole Miss because my brother was here," said Martin, whose opinion about the weather in America was very similar to that of his brother. "In Kenya, we don't have this snow thing!"
Like his brother, Martin is an accounting major. The Ole Miss junior says that math was his favorite subject when he was growing up.
The upcoming SEC Championships and NCAA postseason events will be the last times that the two brothers will get the opportunity to compete with one another on the collegiate level, and both are looking forward to it.
"The SEC Championships are going to be wonderful for me," Martin said. "We want to make it known that at Ole Miss two brothers run here and competed well."
Of the two, Barnabas will have the highest expectations coming into this championship, as he is well known for being one of the best runners in the country.
"It's always very hard to repeat, but Barnabas certainly has a shot to win it," Walker said. "We are eager to see if he can make it his third title and two in a row."
Barnabas, who is beginning to think about life after his final college events, doesn't want to give up on running just yet. After graduate school, in which he will attempt to gain a master's in accounting, Barnabas says he would like to somehow make a living out of running. After his running days are over, he plans on getting some professional experience in America and then maybe returning to Kenya.
"That's always a priority for them," said Walker of the brothers' academic priorities. "Their priority is their education; that comes first. They do very well in the classroom. After that, their next priority is to run well and do the things they do here."
Unlike his brother, Martin will most likely not attempt to run professionally after he completes his Ole Miss eligibility.
"Once I get my master's then I can see about running," Martin said. "I won't stop running completely, but I'll be focusing on my education."
Also unlike his brother, if Martin can stay in America he would. "If I can, I will stay here forever. I want to look at jobs here and start a family here. I like America. When you compare here from where we are coming from, over there we don't have freedom. Here we have equality."